Docs trained in communication, counselling

A special state-level workshop on ‘Communication and Counselling Skills’ for chief medical officers (CMOs) and senior medical officers (SMOs) commenced at Pt BD Sharma University of Health Sciences (UHSR), Rohtak, on Monday. On the first day, 23 doctors received training, while the remaining 31 participants are scheduled to get trained on Tuesday.

Addressing the workshop as the chief guest, Vice-Chancellor Dr HK Aggarwal emphasised the importance of good behaviour in medical practice, saying, “A doctor’s empathetic approach and attentive listening can cure half of a patient’s illness.” He added that as patient load increases, it is vital for doctors to manage stress and always maintain courteous behaviour with patients and their families. Dr Aggarwal also stressed the need for doctors to carry their apron and stethoscope during duty hours and to explain medical conditions and treatments clearly to patients’ relatives, especially in wards and ICUs.

PGIMS Director Dr SK Singhal highlighted the importance of treating patients with humility, noting that hospitals were often places of stress and anxiety. He said young doctors, particularly in critical care, should also be trained in effective communication.

PGIMS Medical Superintendent Dr Kundan Mittal, who authored the ‘Counselling and Communication Skills for Healthcare Providers’ manual, unveiled it at the event.

He explained that the manual and the workshop provide detailed guidance on how doctors should interact with patients and families, deliver advice, convey bad news and use effective listening and body language.

Dr Mittal stressed that a doctor-patient relationship is highly sensitive and requires warmth and trust, which plays a crucial role in recovery.

Dr Sujata Sethi and Dr Prashant Kumar, underscored that effective communication fostered trust, cooperation and reinforced the humane aspect of the medical profession. The session was attended by Dr Ashuma Sachdeva, Dr Vivek Malik, Dr Aarti, Dr Rakesh Mittal, Dr Umesh Yadav and Dr Vinod Chayal, among others.